Jacqueline “Jackie” (Reul) KEEL, 75, of East Sandwich, MA, passed away at the Royal of Cotuit Nursing Home in Mashpee, MA, on March 6, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 19, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA to the late John Reul (CWO, USN Retired) and Gertrude (Dougherty) Reul.
Jackie grew up in New Bedford, MA where she attended New Bedford High School, class of 1962, and Bridgewater State College. Besides New Bedford, she also lived in Kodiak, AK, Cape May, NJ, Governors Island, NY, Bourne, MA, and in 1990, finally found a place to call home in East Sandwich, MA.
Jackie was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and caring friend. Family and friends meant the world to her and she was always happy to see her children and grandchildren; they definitely brought a smile to her face. She also loved attending family gatherings, especially during the holidays. Jackie liked to volunteer when she was able and always supported the Armed Forces; she actually met her husband, Roy, while she was volunteering at a USO sponsored event in New Bedford (he was on liberty from the ship at the time). She loved animals, especially cats; she left behind her adorable kitty, Princess. Jackie was an avid reader and had a passion for traveling to new destinations; especially in and around New England. She also loved going to the beach to either lie and relax or to take walks with Roy or the kids. Her full time job and passion was supporting Roy’s U.S. Coast Guard career and being a loving mother to her two children Mike and Steve. She did have various jobs, when the children were old enough, including working for the Bourne School system serving lunches at various schools including ones that Mike and Steve went to. This was how she kept an eye on them while they were in school and making sure they stayed out of trouble.
Jackie is survived by her husband Roy Keel (CWO4, USCG Retired) of over 53 years of marriage, her two sons: Michael Keel and wife Gail of North Attleboro, MA; and Steven Keel (CDR, USCG Retired) and wife Christine of Severn, MD; four grandchildren: Carin Donadio, Christopher, Andrew, and Alexander Keel of MD; two great-grandchildren Isabella and Charlie Donadio, of MD; sister Roselle (Reul) Fecteau of New Bedford, MA; brother John Reul of Alpharetta, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. She was preceded in death by her niece, Michelle Shaw.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday March 14th at 2pm, visiting hours are prior from 12-2pm at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Rt. 6A, Sandwich, MA. A private burial will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA, at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Jackie’s name to: PEOPLE FOR CATS (PFC) at https://www.peopleforcats.org or Corpus Christi Parish at https://www.corpuschristiparish.org.
For directions, & online condolences please visit www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com.
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